Thanks to our Dutch/American neighbor, we were introduced to the Dutch New Years traditions this year. Oliebollen The word oliebollen (link to a recipe if you want to try to make them yourself) literally translates to oil ball. These are the Dutch version of donuts and are said to be the origin of what Americans … More New Years Traditions in NL
I have always heard amazing stories about the German Christmas markets, so for our first Christmas here I had to check them out. One of the cities with the most, and reputedly some of the best, markets is Cologne so we headed there first. It didn’t hurt that it was also a 3.5 hour drive. … More German Christmas Markets
The Dutch have a unique (and somewhat controversial) holiday tradition – Sinterklaas. Now Sinterklaas is universally loved, his sidekick Piet, he is not as well received. But let’s hold that thought for now and discuss Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is based on Based on St. Nicolaas of Myra, patron saint of children, sailors and Amsterdam, who was … More Who is Sinterklaas?
We have lived away from our families for more than 20 years now and the holidays are never quite the same when its just the three of us. In Houston, we developed a wonderful tradition with our framily (friends that are like family) and spent Thanksgiving with them and their family. It was wonderful food … More Thanksgiving
I know Halloween is a North American holiday, but somehow, living in a place with so many American expats, I thought it might spill over here. Not one trick-or-treater last night. The school had a trunk-or-treat event before fall break, which was way too early for me, but there was no better day. About 30 … More Halloween 2022
Our second adventure came during the fall school break. It is a thing here, and we found out it is in the UK too. There they call it half term. I pulled up cheap flights on Google and let the resident teenager pick – she chose London over Krakow. Someone in my travel club let … More Fall Break in London
I have voted in every election I have been eligible to do so since I turned 18. Every municipal, provincial, state, and federal election, along with every primary. When I moved to Texas, the rule in Canada was that you could vote from aboard for five years after your departure. So at some point that … More Voting Abroad
One of the best things I have found since I moved here is a ladies travel group. Adventurously Yours was created by a former expat in our community here. She has since moved back to the U.S., but thanks to a wider group it is still alive and thriving. After feeling crappy all summer, I … More Day trip – Haarlem
Since July I have been battling something, I am not sure what, but it has made me really ill and caused me to miss out on a lot of fun activities. People would invite me to meet up and I often I just couldn’t go. About two weeks ago it got to a point that … More You Actually Want to See the Doctor?
Red, White and Tulips 